BORO legend Gary Parkinson remains in a "very poorly" condition in hospital today as team-mates and colleagues rally around him.

Parkinson, known to many as Parky, is in the Royal Bolton Hospital after suffering a stroke, aged 42.

A spokesperson for the hospital today said the Thornaby-born defender was in a “very poorly but stable” condition.

Since the news broke, people have lined up to wish Parkinson well. And staff at Blackpool, where Parkinson works as head of youth development, paid tribute to the former full-back - and got one over on Boro’s biggest rivals in the process.

Midfielder Charlie Adam dedicated his goal, which fittingly came against Newcastle United, at the weekend to Parkinson, producing a T-shirt bearing the message “4 Parky”.

Speaking after the game, Blackpool striker DJ Campbell explained: “We wanted to show Parky and his family, we are thinking of him.

“He is a great person around the place, bubbly, and everyone is in shock at the moment. When you think about his family and his kids you just want to do well for them and that was a part of us doing well.

“I can’t remember ever going into a game in circumstances like that with the pressure of someone we love being unwell. The dressing room was pretty subdued before the game.”

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway added: “All our love is with him and we believe he will come through it.”

Parkinson, who played 258 times for Boro between 1986 and 1993, fell ill on Tuesday. He was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital but then transferred to Salford Royal Hope Hospital. He is now back in Bolton.

The former Boro star is now based in the North-west but is believed to still have family on Teesside. After leaving in 1993, he played at Burnley - who play Boro tomorrow - Preston North End and Blackpool.

Boro spokesman Dave Allan said: “Naturally we are hoping and praying he will pull through. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”

Boro fans have been leaving messages of support for Parkinson on the Gazette’s website. charlie1962 wrote: “Hopefully the spirit of 86 will help pull Parky through. Get well soon Gary and soon be back on the football pitch again where you belong.”

Barnstorm wrote: “Get well soon Parky. I am sure all Boro fans wish you well and our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.”